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During your Miami vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Miami Metrozoo
This 290-acre, sparsely landscaped complex (it was devastated by Hurricane Andrew) is quite a distance from Miami proper and the beaches -- about 45 minutes -- but worth the trip. Isolated and never really crowded, it's also completely cageless -- animals are kept at bay by cleverly designed moats. This is a fantastic spot to take younger kids (the older ones seem bored and unstimulated here); there's a wonderful petting zoo and play area, and the zoo offers several daily programs designed to educate and entertain. Mufasa and Simba (of Disney fame) were modeled on a couple of Metrozoo's lions. Other residents include two rare white Bengal tigers, a Komodo dragon, rare koala bears, a number of kangaroos, and an African meerkat. The air-conditioned Zoofari Monorail tour offers visitors a nice overview of the park. An Andean Condor exhibit opened in 2000, and the zoo is always upgrading its facilities, including the impressive aviary. Note: The distance between animal habitats can be great, so you'll be doing a lot of walking here. For this reason, there are benches and shaded gazebos strategically positioned throughout the zoo so you can rest when you need to. Also, because the zoo can be miserably hot during summer months, plan these visits in the early morning or late afternoon. Expect to spend about 3 hours here.
Miami Art Museum at the Miami-Dade Cultural Center
The Miami Art Museum (MAM) features an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary works by such artists as Eric Fischl, Max Beckmann, Jim Dine, and Stuart Davis. Rotating exhibitions span the ages and styles, and often focus on Latin American or Caribbean artists. There are also fantastic themed exhibits such as the Andy Warhol exhibit, which featured all-night films by the artist, make-your-own pop art, cocktail hours, and parties with local DJs. JAM at MAM is the museum's popular happy hour, which takes place the third Thursday of the month and is tied in to a particular exhibit. Almost as artistic as the works inside the museum is the composite sketch of the people -- young and old -- who attend these events.The Miami-Dade Cultural Center, where the museum is housed, is a fortresslike complex designed by Phillip Johnson. In addition to the acclaimed Miami Art Museum, the center houses the main branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library, which sometimes features art and cultural exhibits, and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, which highlights the fascinating history of the area. Unfortunately, the plaza onto which the complex opens is home to many of downtown Miami's homeless population, which makes it a bit off-putting but not dangerous.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
MOCA boasts an impressive collection of internationally acclaimed art with a local flavor. It is also known for its forward thinking and ability to discover and highlight new artists. A high-tech screening facility allows for film presentations to complement the exhibitions. You can see works by Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Larry Rivers, Duane Michaels, and Claes Oldenberg, plus there are special exhibitions by such artists as Yoko Ono, Sigmar Polke, John Baldessari, and Goya. Guided tours are offered in English, Spanish, French, Creole, Portuguese, German, and Italian.
Candlewood Suites MIAMI AIRPORT WEST
Welcome to the Candlewood Suites Miami Airport West in Doral. The Candlewood Suites welcomes Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts fans! We are 17 miles from the Dolphin Stadium, where the Bears and the Colts will battle it out in Super Bowl XLI. We are in a prime location, just minutes from Miami International Airport (MIA) and with easy access to the City of Doral, Homestead, Kendall, Miami Springs, and Medley. We just completed a full renovation of all guest rooms and public space at the ...
Hampton Inn & Suites Miami-Airport South
The Hampton Inn and Suites Miami Airport is located by Waterford at Blue Lagoon. We are within minutes of downtown Miami- Coral Gables- South Beach- Hialeah- and Coconut Grove. Miami Intl ARPT 0 MI, S Free airport shuttle. Port of Miami 9 MI, E Super Shuttle- 305-871-2000 - Fee applies. Downtown Miami 8 MI, E Yellow Cab- 305-871-2000 - Fee applies. Coral Gables 2 MI, S Yellow Cab- Same as ...
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